Bafana’s Ghana friendly offers these five players chance to stake AFCON claim

Bafana Bafana’s friendly encounter against a second-string Ghana side could provide head coach Hugo Broos with valuable answers ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener against Angola next Monday at the Stade de Marrakech (kick-off 7pm).

South Africa will face a Ghana side—made up largely of locally based players—at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday afternoon (4pm kick-off), with the match presenting Broos with an opportunity to fine-tune his preparations and address a few remaining areas of concern.

The fixture also offers players a final chance to make a strong impression, particularly those eager to force their way into the matchday squad or even the starting line-up. Here, we take a closer look at some of the players who could use the occasion to stake their claim.

Bathusi Aubaas

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has been a regular presence in Broos’ squad selections but is still searching for a consistent place in the starting XI. The upcoming friendly could offer him valuable minutes—an opportunity he will be keen to use to showcase the form that has earned him the trust of Miguel Cardoso over the past two seasons at club level.

With competition intensifying from Thalente Mbatha and Siphephelo Sithole, the battle for midfield places is heating up. If given the nod, Aubaas will be eager to deliver a composed performance as he looks to establish consistency and secure a role alongside his Sundowns teammate Teboho Mokoena.

Elias Mokwana

Making his return to the national setup for the first time since November last year, Elias Mokwana’s inclusion in the squad raised a few eyebrows. The winger had been absent from the international scene while also searching for a new club following his spell with Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis.

Primarily deployed on the right flank, Mokwana returns at a time when former Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota has made significant strides and appears to have strengthened his grip on the position. However, with his versatility and Broos known for rewarding performances, the Ghana friendly could present Mokwana with a timely chance to remind the coach of his qualities.

Relebohile Mofokeng

Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents, Relebohile Mofokeng has recently shown signs of rediscovering the sharp form that has placed him among the country’s standout players. The 21-year-old returns to the squad after missing the final two Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Mofokeng faces stiff competition from club teammate Oswin Appollis, who has often featured on the left flank for the national team despite operating in a different role at club level. With both players capable of switching positions, the Pirates winger will be keen to seize any opportunity to demonstrate why he should be given the edge heading into the tournament.

Evidence Makgopa

With Lyle Foster only joining camp from this Monday, travel logistics and the timing of the fixture mean he is unlikely to feature in the friendly, handing Makgopa a valuable opportunity to strengthen his case.

The Pirates striker has scored four goals so far this season, and while he is often praised for his overall contribution beyond goals, he will be eager to make a decisive impact if given the chance. Makgopa will be hoping to build on the crucial goal he scored against Rwanda, which played a key role in securing South Africa’s place at next year’s World Cup.

Tshepang Moremi

Since joining Pirates, Moremi has continued to grow with each opportunity. The 25-year-old was handed a starting role in a recent friendly against Zambia, where he delivered a steady performance, and could be hoping for another chance against Ghana.

With strong competition from Nkota and Mokwana for places in wide areas, Moremi will be keen to showcase the form he has displayed at club level and underline his readiness to contribute at international level should he be called upon.